Nightlife & Music

Best Cover Bands In The DC Area

Whether you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or jonesing to hear the latest pop hits without forking over your life savings to attend a concert, D.C.-area cover bands have got you covered. They sound so close to the real thing, you may just find yourself singing along with the band.

While the band’s name may conjure up images of a certain former football star slowly making his way down a Los Angeles freeway, White Ford Bronco specializes in hits from the same decade of that infamous car chase. Remember the good times as you listen to songs made popular by many 1990s one-hit wonders, singers and bands including Ace of Base, Chumbawamba, Hootie and the Blowfish and the Spice Girls. Acre 121 is a low-country bistro and bar that features delicious southern barbecue, handcrafted drinks, an easy-going atmosphere and, of course White Ford Bronco. The restaurant and bar also offers trivia nights and live entertainment.

Recognized as the most popular party band in the D.C. area, as well as the one of the best wedding band’s in the country, Gonzo’s Nose will take you on a musical journey to the 1980s and back. Sing along to fantastic ’80s pop tunes including “Billie Jean,” “Don’t Stop Believin”‘ and “Girls Just Wanna a Fun.” The band also performs songs from today’s pop artists including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Green Day. With more than 250 songs on its set list, Gonzo’s Nose is sure to get the party started and keep it humming throughout the night. See it live in action at Bunker Sports Cafe, a pool hall that features a full-service bar, high-definition televisions and an arcade.

While it may sound more like a character from “The Office,” Jeff from Accounting is an alternative and rock and roll cover band that plays hits from previous decades as well as today’s hottest hits. Current songs on its set list include “Inside Out” by Eve 6, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns n’ Roses and “Somebody Told Me” by the Killers. When they’re not stuck in their cubicles, the band performs at local bars and clubs throughout the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area, including Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington. The restaurant and bar features daily food and drink specials, live entertainment and trivia nights on Sundays.

No, that’s not a typo. 2U is, you guessed it, a U2 tribute band. The band does more than just simply play hit U2 songs though. Its shows include practically the same stage set and lighting as U2 plus celebrity impersonators of Bono and Adam Clayton to make you feel as if you are at an actual U2 concert. Hold up your drink and bob your head to both previous and current U2 hits including “Vertigo,” “Pride” and “Get On Your Boots.” Looney’s Pub, ranked the best bar by Baltimore Magazine, features 18 beers on tap, tasty appetizers and meals including Baltimore’s best baked nachos and homemade shepherd’s pie, 80 high-definition televisions, live entertainment and special events.

Remember leg warmers, fingerless gloves, MC Hammer pants and other huge fashion trends of the ’80s with the Reflex as it takes you on a trip down memory lane thanks to its devotion to everything ’80s. From its ’80s-inspired outfits to its ’80s-inspired sound, the Reflex makes you feel like you’re reliving your youth (or seeing what it was like to be around one of the most epic eras in music and fashion). The cover band performs every must-play hit of the ’80s including “Don’t You Want Me Baby” by the Human League, “Call Me” by Blondie and “Kiss” by Prince. Ned Devine’s Irish Pub features a full-service bar, daily food and drink specials and special weeknight events including karaoke night and 30 and older singles night.

Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.